Different vise

[22george]

This was my grandfather's vise (I'm 65 years old). I've never seen another one like it. There are no markings on the vise. The jaws are 4 inches wide and it opens to 6 inches. Has anyone seen one like it??

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

It would appear to me that your grandfather was a very frugal man and refused to give up on his broken vise. Probably was broken where the dynamic jaw attaches to the slide. His improvised re-enforcement seems to have allowed many more years of service from this vise. Yankee ingenuity and a get it done attitude can fix almost anything. Ed.

 

[Rileysan]

It would appear to me that your grandfather was a very frugal man and refused to give up on his broken vise. Probably was broken where the dynamic jaw attaches to the slide. His improvised re-enforcement seems to have allowed many more years of service from this vise. Yankee ingenuity and a get it done attitude can fix almost anything. Ed.

Very well said, Ed!

Whatever make/model it used to be, it's certainly worthy of a place of honor in your shop. It has a swivel jaw that looks to have never been moved, but that will give a clue as to its origins as there were only a handful of manufacturers who made swivel jaw vises. Reed and Rock Island are two. I know there were others but the names escape me.

Brian

 

[dumper]

wow, he trussed that thing up like a Thanksgiving turkey!

 

[454ragtop]

Looks like just another broken Prentiss.........

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Prentiss is actually a pretty likely ID. Look right behind the swivel jaw. might have to wire brush it a bit but you may see the maker and model cast in there. Ed.

 

[notlob]

My first impression was Prentiss also. Rock Island another possibility.

Check to see if you can find evidence of a welded or brazed repair on the slide near where it joins the upright of the dynamic jaw. The rods and rear plate were added as reinforcement. That's a very creative repair - I've never seen another like it.

That vise started life looking similar to this (ignore color scheme).

 

[Bcom]

I just wanted to jump in on this thread and say I would be honored to have that vise if it were my grandfathers. Very cool way to keep a broken vise going.

 

[1982fxr]

Another vote for prentiss

 

[22george]

My brother has the vise. I will check it the next time l am at his place. Yes my grandfather was very frugal. I thought it was probably a repair also. And yes that vise will never leave our family
Thanks for the info guys